How pilates helped transform Carly Blyth’s life

As Carly’s husband battled terminal cancer, she was also grappling with depression and back pain. She started doing this at 5am, and it’s changed her life.

Carly Blyth before and after her fitness journey.

I’m 44 years old, and for a long time, I felt like I was living in a whirlwind.

I work full-time, have two sons — one with a disability — and my husband battled terminal cancer, which ultimately claimed his life.

He was unexpectedly diagnosed with esophageal cancer mid-2023.

Initially, the doctors believed it was likely benign, and I remained optimistic.

But when we received the final diagnosis — a malignant tumour that was inoperable — everything changed.

In that moment, I felt like I was moving through life behind glass.

I was physically present but emotionally numb and disconnected.

Despite how I was feeling, I had to keep working and maintain some normalcy for my children.

That sense of responsibility kept me going, but internally I was struggling.

Throughout this period, I also dealt with chronic back pain caused by a pinched nerve that started after the birth of my first child over a decade ago.

Managing that physical discomfort while also caring for my husband and family added to the emotional toll.

I needed treated by a chiropractor every couple of weeks, and I was struggling with depression.

During my husband’s illness, our lives were turned upside down.

We quickly went from being a dual-income family to a single-income household.

His condition deteriorated quickly, and he required daily care and regular hospital visits.

His first round of treatment was successful, and we were given the incredible news that he was cancer-free.

Carly and her late husband. Picture: Supplied

We were so hopeful and began to rebuild our life.

But sadly, the cancer returned aggressively and spread.

In August last year, I made the decision to do something for me.

I joined a 5am pilates class at Club Pilates in Cornubia, which was the only time that worked with my busy schedule.

To be honest, I was exhausted.

But I knew I needed to prioritise my own health — physically and mentally — and that meant taking that first step, even if it felt tough.

I was hoping pilates would help with my back pain, but what I didn’t expect was the way it would transform so much more.

Not only did I stop needing chiropractic treatments, but I started feeling happier, more energetic, and more confident.

I started noticing that I could breathe easier, feel lighter, and just generally have a better outlook.

Carly Blyth opens up on fitness journey. Picture: Supplied

Pilates became my escape, my time to focus on me and nothing else.

During those classes, I could switch my mind off from everything that was going on.

I could laugh with the other women in my class, and for a little while, forget about all the sadness and heaviness that had been weighing on me.

When my husband passed away at the end of September, I kept going to pilates.

It was my routine, my stability, and a distraction in the best way.

It helped me cope with the grief and stay grounded.

Pilates has now become an essential part of my life.

Carly and her family. Picture: Supplied

I joined at 89kg, and now I’m 62kg.

I’ve gained strength, muscle, and a lot of self-confidence.

It’s amazing to see the physical changes, but the mental and emotional shifts have been even more rewarding.

In the months that followed my husband’s death, I began making changes to prioritise my health — physically and mentally.

I worked with my GP to develop a plan that included lifestyle and dietary adjustments.

I realised that in order to be there for my children and move forward, I had to take care of myself.

I had little to no time for myself, and it felt like everything was happening all at once.

This journey has been incredibly difficult, but it’s also taught me how to make the most of everyday with the ones we love, resilience, compassion, and the importance of self-care.

I’m still on that path, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

Carly Blyth lives in Queensland

Originally published as How pilates helped transform Carly Blyth’s life